Partners in Paradise: R&R With NYC’s Ray’s Bar

It’s no secret that we take our leisure very seriously around here—but we’re not the only ones. Ray’s, a self-proclaimed “friendly place to hang your hat,” is a hometown bar originating in New York City’s Lower East Side. Since opening, they’ve expanded into Brooklyn and most recently Miami, Florida.

In honor of National Relaxation Day, we threw a party at their Chrystie Street, NYC spot that was one for the books (IYKYK… ) and teamed up on an exclusive collection that blended the bold, fun Ray’s ethos with our signature island style. To celebrate the collaboration, we sat down with Ray’s co-owner Carlos Quirarte and creative director Jack Berry to talk relaxation, libations, and our partnership.

So tell us, what’s the Ray’s philosophy on relaxation?

JB: To me, the Ray’s point of view on relaxation is a combination of Stoicism, Taoism, and existentialism which each offer distinct approaches to achieving inner peace and well-being, emphasizing acceptance, flow, and intentional action. JUST KIDDING… it’s a beer that you take right out of the ice, sitting as close to water as you can, and no socks whatsoever.

CQ: My answer is Jack’s first part.

Living in a city like NYC, what does Tommy Bahama and "the island life" mean to you?

JB: The island life to me is very much a part of the way I live in New York. It’s a barter economy, and who you work with is usually who you kick it with. I have always loved Tommy Bahama. My dad had a few Tommy Bahama styles growing up, and I always had this idea in my head that if I worked very hard, I could have one someday.

CQ: I love the consistency of Tommy Bahama. You are going to get and feel vacation the moment you walk into the store. To me, Living the Island Life means that just because you live in a city that’s fast paced, doesn’t mean you have to live fast paced. You’re gonna do better here if you don’t try to keep up. You’re still on an island, so you might as well live on island time.

Can you tell us about how this collaboration came about?

JB: Our partnership has been fueled by mutual respect and understanding. Tommy Bahama and Ray’s don’t believe in taking themselves too seriously, but that shouldn’t be confused with a lack of attention to detail or quality; it’s because those things are a given that we’re able to relax.

CQ: Game recognizes game.

What was the inspiration behind this year’s Tommy Bahama x Ray’s designs?

JB: If the first collection was Islamorada, this collection is Edgartown. The graphics are inspired by marina uniforms and fishing charter logos, and the color palette is classic East Coast Americana. These are the kinds of shirts you see on a summer vacation where the destination airport only has room for about three planes.

CQ: Jack said it best!

What's the most relaxing thing you did on National Relaxation Day?

JB: Hit the sauna... the true vacationing man’s workout.

CQ: Definitely my morning coffee.

Any particular highlights from this year’s Tommy Bahama x Ray’s event?

JB: The highlight of the night for me was the first and the last beer.

CQ: Same, but Mai tais, of course!

And how would you describe it in three words?

JB, CQ: Gang’s back together!

Last couple questions here! If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go, and what would you bring?

JB: If I could go anywhere tomorrow, I would go to Maine, and I’d bring as little as possible.

CQ: Maui, my family, and a bottle of Maui Babe.

When in paradise… what’s your go-to drink?

JB: No question—piña colada. Although recently I had a cocktail called the “Purple Jesus,” which was grape Kool-Aid, lime juice, vodka, and a Miller High Life. Insanely delicious.

CQ: Mai tai… DUH!

Feeling inspired to mix things up? Check out our signature cocktail recipes. Or, if you’re in NYC or Miami and you’d rather let a professional handle the mixology, head to Ray’s for cold drinks, good vibes, and great company.